Questions for COVID-19 Update

1 OFFICE OF THE MAYOR Sumbul Siddiqui Mayor TO: LOUIS A. DEPASQUALE, CITY MANAGER FROM: SUMBUL SIDDIQUI, MAYOR SUBJECT: COVID-19 UPDATE: QUESTIONS DATE: 5.13.2021 CC: CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL A communication from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions from City Councillors regarding the COVID-19 Public Health Update for May 17, 2021.

2 CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL – REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING: May 17, 2021 COVID-19 UPDATE QUESTIONS COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER 1. What percent of COVID tests in Cambridge are being genetically sequenced? How are we keeping track of new virus variants reaching Cambridge? 2. It has been great to see some of the local Cambridge vaccination clinics. Can you talk more about how the City is partnering with community groups to reach Cambridge residents for whom English may not be their first language or who may feel more comfortable getting vaccinated in a specific community setting? MAYOR SIDDIQUI 1. There has been a community question around the need for children to continue to be masked at local playgrounds. Can you share the current policy and rationale publicly? 2. As of May 10th, the City of Cambridge announced remaining in Phase IV, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan. We have received some questions around a timeline for when Cambridge may move to Phase IV Step 2 and the other anticipated re-openings based on the Baker administrations timeline, for example the State's May 29th increased gathering limits and permission for street festivals and parades or relaxing of guidance for bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries?